No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here! |
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This Sunday, September 12, 2021 |
Worship at 10:00 AM, In Person
Led by Rev. Mia White, Emily Stokes, and Dr. Sarah Bereza
Liturgist: Ann Kittlaus
Face mask wearing remains mandatory for all in-person worshippers over the age of five.
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The scaffolding needed for plaster repair will still be in the sanctuary this Sunday, blocking the livestream camera's view. We will livestream the service only on facebook on a different device. We apologize that the quality won't be as good, but we should be back to our regular livestream next Sunday! If you'd like to join us online live, visit our facebook page. You don't need a facebook account to watch the video, but you do need one to comment.
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VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR
Sundays at 11:20 AM on Zoom
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We're continuing our Virtual Coffee Hours every Sunday on Zoom! The gathering will begin at 11:20 AM. You can join by video on a computer, tablet, or smart phone, or just audio on any phone. To join, download Zoom and enter the meeting ID and password. You can also click the link below, or dial from your phone for audio only.
Join the Virtual Coffee Hour:
Meeting ID: 314 721 5060 (The church phone number)
Password: coffee
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These announcements have been approved
by our Executive Committee.
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WELCOME DARREN TUCKER
New Staff Tenor
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Darren Tucker is excited to be joining the church in worship as a staff tenor! He is a St. Louis U High graduate and is in his senior year at Webster University studying music. He has had appearances locally at The MUNY, Powell Hall, Sheldon Concert Hall and Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Instagram @darrenmtucker
As an African American, we are delighted Darren brings more diversity to our Chancel Choir!
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Welcome to Emily’s Corner! Each week I will highlight an event that is coming up, give you insight into our Sunday school program, or just pass on some interesting information. I hope you check it out each week!
This October we will be offering confirmation for all 7th and 8th graders. Confirmation is a time when youth can explore their faith and faiths of the world. We spend a school year learning about the Bible, our faith traditions, our church history and more so that our youth can determine if and how they want to participate in the life of the church in the future.
I am excited to announce that we will be partnering with Samuel UCC this year to create a fuller and more vibrant program. Samuel UCC is two miles from FCC and is a congregation very similar to ours. Samuel is a progressive church with theology in line with FCC’s. They have a small group of youth that would benefit from partnering with another youth group. Jeff Groene, the Pastor, and Melissa Harlow, Children, Youth, and Family Outreach Minister, are excited to work with our youth and we believe we have created a fun and educational program for the coming year.
If you have a 7th or 8th grader who would like to participate in confirmation or you know someone who might, please contact Emily Stokes! I look forward to another wonderful year of learning and fellowship!
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"MAMA CAT": WORK IN PROGRESS
On display September 3-25, The May Gallery
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Photographer Theo Welling has been documenting the humanitarian and activist, Dr. Cathy Daniels, and her work with the PotBangerz. A sampling of his work will be on display at The May Gallery (Sverdrup Building, 8300 Big Bend Blvd.) September 3-25 with a talk by Mr. Welling at 3:00 PM on Friday September 24. |
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UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST APPEAL: SEVERE STORMS 2021 |
“As damage reports and assessments continue to come in, may we pause to hold the people affected by Hurricane Ida in our prayers for their safety, health, and comfort,” said Josh Baird, Global H.O.P.E. team leader. “While the urge on our part to rush to offer help is normal given the destruction we are witnessing, unsolicited aid at this time often increases the burden on impacted communities. Material goods should only be sent when specifically requested by an organization and volunteers should never self-deploy.”
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WOMEN OF WYDOWN BROWN BAG LUNCH
September 19, 12:15 PM
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All women of the church are invited to a Women of Wydown lunch hosted by Melissa Wurst at her home. Bring your own lunch and join the ladies for fun and fellowship!
Time: 12:15 pm
Address: 7018 Delmar Blvd, University City, 63130
Parking Directions: We are on the South side of Delmar, 4th house west of the intersection at Big Bend. We are across from Lewis Park. Our house faces a right hand turn lane onto Big Bend so you cannot park in front. Several options:
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Park in our driveway (we have room for about 8-10 cars). Enter the alley behind our house, off Big Bend. We are the 4th house down on your right. Garage door will be open – pull on through to the driveway
- Park across the street in front of Lewis Park and walk across.
- Park on Vassar – the small side street west of our house and walk down.
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INTERFAITH CONCERT
Sunday September 12, 4:00 pm
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The 10th Anniversary Interfaith Concert sponsored by Arts & Faith St. Louis will feature soprano Christine Brewer and the Interfaith Youth Chorus, with performances by choirs and ensembles of many faiths on stage at the Sheldon Concert Hall. You can stream the concert live at www.hecmedia.org and YouTube. Stay up to date on the concert and other Arts & Faith St. Louis news on Facebook (@artsfaithstlouis), Twitter (@ArtsFaithSTL), and Instagram (@artsfaithstlouis).
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WHAT WE BELIEVE: A Free Virtual Course with Dr. David Oughton
September 22 - November 10, Wednesdays @ 7:00 PM
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Join Interfaith Partnership for a free virtual course this fall. In "What We Believe," Dr. David Oughton, former IP Board President and retired professor of religion at Saint Louis University, will interview guests in each of the major non-Christian religions, including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Ethical Humanism, and the Baha'i Faith. The course is free and open to all. Learn more HERE.
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CONGREGATIONALISM COMES TO THE WEST:
Adult Education Opportunity
Sunday September 26, 11:20 AM, In person and online
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Congregationalism Comes to The West: Why was the First Trinitarian Congregational Church the first of its kind in the West? What was the "Plan of Union"? How did a Preacher from Vermont end up Minister of a church 1500 miles away? Come to church (or participate online) on Sunday the 26th of September and get the answers to these and many more! Details for how to join online are forthcoming. |
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SAVE THE DATE: GATEWAY ONA DRAG BINGO FUNDRAISER
October 2, 6:30 PM
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Registration is open!
Gateway Open and Affirming is hosting the second Drag Bingo event benefitting the United Church of Christ Open and Affirming Coalition. The event will be on Zoom beginning at 6:30 PM and ending at 9:00 PM. A free will offering will be taken for the Open & Affirming Coalition of the UCC and the AllianceQ of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ. Registration is $25 and includes 5 bingo cards via email. Register by September 28 at www.gatewayona.com/bingo-fundraiser-2021.html. For additional information, contact Melissa at mhattman@att.net or call 314-443-4277.
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FOOD OUTREACH VOLUNTEER DAY
Saturday October 2, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Our Mission & Outreach Ministry Team invites us to participate in a volunteer day at Food Outreach, one of our mission partners. We hope for 12 volunteers to package meals for the people Food Outreach serves. You can learn more and sign up online HERE. All volunteers must create a profile and sign up using that link. |
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On kick-off Sunday we were able to hear from several people about their heritage. Everyone has an interesting story to tell! If you'd like to share your heritage with the congregation, please send a short story to Hannah ( hrice@firstcongregational.org). We will share one story each month here in the eBulletin. |
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UPDATE CONTACT INFORMATION |
Hannah is updating our records for our church member directory. If any of your contact information has changed since January 2021, please contact Hannah ( hrice@firstcongregational.org). Thank you! |
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THANK YOU FROM OUR MISSION PARTNERS |
Twice a year our Mission and Outreach Ministry team sends monetary donations from our congregation to the agencies we are in relationship with. You can read some of the letters we have received back HERE. Thank you for your generosity to our church, which then allows us to extend the generosity into our community. |
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Calling all tech-minded folks! Currently Hannah Rice is the only person trained to run our Sunday morning livestream. Since she will occasionally be on vacation or otherwise unavailable, it is necessary to train others to help with our online ministry. It is not hard to do, but does take someone a little tech-savvy, preferably with their own laptop or tablet they can bring. We're hoping to gather at least four volunteers. If you are interested, please contact Hannah.
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Now that we are back to worshiping in person together, we are welcoming volunteers to help serve on Sunday mornings. We need greeters/ushers and liturgists. If you're interested in learning more, contact Hannah Rice, or sign up online HERE.
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SACRED STUDIES AND FELLOWSHIP
Tuesdays, 10:00 AM
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Valerie Jackson leads the Sacred Studies and Fellowship group, which meets every Tuesday at 10:00 for study of the Bible and other texts, personal sharing, and lots of laughter. The group meets in the church Parlor. All are welcome to join! |
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STAFF TEAM WEEKLY DAYS OFF |
Pastor Mia White: Mondays and Fridays
Emily Stokes: Mondays and Saturdays
Sarah Bereza: Mondays and Saturdays
Hannah Rice: Mondays and Saturdays
(The church office will be closed on Mondays)
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Thank you to all of the medical professionals who continue to serve the public during these challenging times. We are thinking of you and praying for you. Please join in prayer for members of our community who work in the medical field. Are you a medical professional, or is there someone you care about who is? Let us know and we'll add to our list. |
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Dr. Mark Barlow
Dr. Ken Blumer
Dr. Mitch Botney
Dr. Melanie Bryan
Dr. Katherine Buchowski
Dr. Bill Chao
Dr. Kristy Holland
Dr. Bruce Jones
Dr. Cheryl Lynch-Lawler
Dr. Josh Madden
Dr. David Piston
Dr. Karen Smethers
Dr. Brandon Tan
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If you would like to continue to give offerings to First Congregational Church, you may do so online HERE.
Alternatively, you may mail your offering to the church at 6501 Wydown Blvd. 63105.
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Phone: 314.721.5060 Fax: 314.721.2716 Preschool: 314.721.7404
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